The following article is written by Rev. John Matthews (NOTE: The (numbers) refers to the REFERENCES portion of this article) If “ready access to firearms” (1) with modest restrictions on obtaining, possessing and storing firearms in the United States continues, an “unintended consequence”…

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed an Extreme risk Protection Order Bill. The ERPO made it possible for a family member to request the removal of a firearm from a home if it was deemed a threat to a person or others life.…

A bill rolling back the “duty to retreat before using force” fails to pass the Minnesota House. The bill needed 68 votes to pass and it failed 67-65. ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention, joined with Protect Minnesota and Moms Demand Action to…

Today, I am going to the State Capitol to attend a news conference and witness the floor vote on a SHOOT FIRST/STAND YOUR GROUND bill. I will listen and speak up in opposition. I will wear my clergy collar to give a visual…

Last evening, 16 people gathered online to be enlightened on ways towards gun violence prevention (GVP), to make for a more gun safe Minnesota. The FOCUS EVENT was sponsored and hosted by ENGAGE. Leaders from several GVP organizations: Joan Peterson (Brady), Maggiy Emory…

WHEREAS, the Creation Narrative in Genesis proclaims, “So God created humankind in [God’s] image . . . .” (Genesis 1:27), Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount proclaims, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9), and…

LEGISLATIVE: Leaders from various GVP organizations are encouraging the following legislative bill actions: 1) Safe storage; 2) Banning guns from polling places; 3) Repeal of the PLCAA-Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This act gives arms manufacturers immunity from lawsuits resulting from…

The USA can learn from countries that are more gun safe. Three countries that are more gun safe than the USA are: Australia, Norway and Japan. What are they doing that makes their citizens more gun safe? AUSTRALIA. As a result of the…

The United States Surgeon General recently reported on gun violence. The urgency for action to lessen gun violence was prompted by statistical data. USA, we have a problem. The data from the CDC and WHO reveal that firearm deaths in the USA compared…

Comparisons lead to perspectives. Comparisons help set goals. I ran my fastest 440 yard dash in 52.8 seconds. The national 440 yard dash record is 45.8. Perspective. Goal. Similarly, comparing Minnesota gun violence with California gun violence lends perspective and goal. Everytown reviewed…